trying to understand all this

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
trying to understand all this
7
Sun, 12-12-2004 - 10:33am

If I'm being repetitive please forgive me,as I may have asked this already, but here goes.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Sun, 12-12-2004 - 1:31pm

Foggy,


Anxiety is listed as one of the less common side effects of Lamictal, but not mania--Wellbutrin can flip someone into mania, but it's unlikely this is the cause for you since you've been on it for a while--in my totally unprofessional opinion.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2004
Mon, 12-13-2004 - 2:41am

Hello Foggy,

My son has Bipolar Disorder and is taking Lamictal. The Lamictal does not stop racing thoughts. It is suppose to keep your moods swings under control. My son was taking wellbutrin, and like you he experienced very similar symptoms. I remember my son complaining about the wellbutrin causing him hyperactivity, sleeplessness, increased sexual desires and a increase in racing thoughts. Most of the people on the message boards who are taking Lamictal claim it's sort of a miracle drug for Bipolar Disorder. My son has said the same. Perhaps you should consider the wellbutrin as the culprit and research something specifically for treating impulsivity and the symptoms you mentioned. Sorry I can be more helpful.
Best of luck.
--David

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 12-13-2004 - 8:42am

TRIGGERS HERE.....................

Hey Traci...hon, I'm really very sorry you're aren't feeling any relief by now...it really sucks...i know, i've been there...and i HATE that you have to go through it too...as for the Lamictal, no it won't stop your thoughts...it should, however, if its at a therapuetic level, level out your mood swings...from manic, to depresed....now, as for Wellbutrin, it caused me SEVERE anxiety and made my swings even worse...as for your increased sexual desires, that could be a "breakthrough" mania. You really need to talk to your pdoc about the meds he has you on...doesn't sound like they are working AT ALL.

To get your thoughts stopped, or at least more under control, you need an antipsychotic medication...something like Seroquel, which will make you sleep...or Risperdal...I've been on both and they both stopped my thoughts really well. The Seroquel works faster for me, but makes me sleepy and groggy too. So, you kinda have to see what works best for you. That's one reason that going inpatient is sometimes a good idea. But, I know you can't do that right now.

I know you're a mess right now, and I know exactly how you feel. EXACTLY. I thought I was going to die, and in all honesty, I wanted to. But, I'm so much better now!!! I am happy and productive, and living my life without any SI, no bad thoughts...no crazy behaviors...you can get there too...you have to educate yourself in a major way, and then if one med doesn't work, STOP it...sometimes you have to be firm with pdocs...but you do not have to take a med just because they say so...ask for something else...

Lamictal didn't work for me...I guess I was the exception...so you see, just because others have luck, someone else may not...its all a guess as to what is going to work for any particular person...

I'm here for you, girl...I'll check the board again in a bit to see if you have posted again.

MANY hugs...

Keli

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Mon, 12-13-2004 - 9:59am

Thank you all for your input.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-04-2003
Mon, 12-13-2004 - 11:05am

The Risperdal is great for racing thoughts, so good that it took me extra effort just to think! Cool when your head feels like it is ready to explode. Since Lamicital and Gabitril are both antiseizure, they will not effect the racing thoughts except at theraputic doses, which can take weeks or so. Also, you may be experiencing a agitated depression, and will not be affected by the antiseisure meds. An antipsychotic may be the way to go. Also, new drugs can intensify the affect of another drug such as wellbutrin. I know it is hard, but trust your docs judgement, but ask for something for the acute symptoms.

Kristin

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Mon, 12-13-2004 - 12:48pm

Thanks Kristin.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 12-13-2004 - 1:03pm

Traci,

I didn't have any grogginess from Risperdal...only from the Seroquel...I was able to drive and work and everything just fine on Risperdal. Maybe you could ask about that one.

Hugs!

Keli